“Over the years the corridors have rung with the voices of many cultures and the walls have housed many colourful characters” -  Amangalla Guest Compendium

Amangalla, formerly known as the New Oriental Hotel, (The name derives from 'Aman' or peace in sanskrit and ‘galla’ is from the location Galle) portrays the complex patina of its past in an exemplary setting, wrapped with the rich colonial tapestry of Sri Lanka’s exceptional 400 year old Galle Fort.

Boasting with sheer elegance and a quaint Dutch setting, Amangalla’s history is born out of the early Dutch colonial period and is located 116 km south of Colombo.

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in history and the finer things in life, this is the place to be. We were greeted by Charith, our personal butler, as we arrived at Amangalla to guide us to the most hospitable experience we were yet to encounter.

The Butler’s Guide to Amangalla

·    Breakfast on the balcony
·    Relax in your room
·    Start your day with a swim
·    Tour the hidden corners of the Fort
·    Browse the library
·    Enjoy a massage, sauna and steam
·    Take afternoon tea
·    Cocktails on the sunset balcony
·    Dinner in the Zall
·    Candlelit bath

Arriving fresh from Colombo, the hotel’s elegant entrance instantly commanded our attention.

With an interesting personalised welcome note placed by a traditional Sri Lankan oil lamp, Charith took us on a tour of this colonial marvel, preserved well over the years offering guests a memorable and appropriately stylish stay in architectural splendor.

Opulent and ornate, the colonial style continues into the large lobby and dining room, with wooden furnishing and a hint of an old Dutch residence, wrapped all around.

Entering The Great Hall also known as 'The Zaal' in Dutch times, made me feel like I was submerged in a Jane Austen novel, and all I could visualise was a grand social feast with European aristocrats and pretty maidens indulging in delectable food.

With high ceilings, overhead fans and chandeliers, The Great Hall has relaxed seating within and along the veranda facing the tree-lined street.

Providing an intimate setting for dining with a colonial accent, The Dining Room is furnished with period chairs and tables, crisp white linen and antique silverware, with many of the original pieces being returned to their rightful place in the room.

The Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and provides a choice of traditional Sri Lankan and Western cuisines.
Accommodation

The hotel offers 28 Bedrooms, Chambers and Suites and a splendid two storey Garden House. Equipped with polished teak floorboards dating back to the property’s origins, all rooms and halls offer views of the Fort or the hotel’s lush greenery.

Reiterating a timeless colonial tale, the rooms and suites speak the language of pure elegance with large spacious rooms, white linen, dark wood and ratan complemented by classic print and touches of solid silver. It doesn’t end there.

The furnishing also includes king size or twin beds, a writing desk, chaise lounge, planter’s chair, dining table and a pettagama chest.

The feature that fascinated me the most was the open bathroom. It was equipped with twin vanities, a shower, separate water closet and a freestanding bathtub, hardwood towel stands, framed full size mirrors and an ample armoire contribute to the genteel ambience.

The hotel is a tale by itself. Ensure you take a peek at the eclectic collection of memorabilia drawn from the archives of the New Oriental Hotel, which provides an interesting perspective into the history of the buildings, the Fort and the town of Galle at the Library.

Located beyond the reception hall, the Library offers an extensive range of reference books on the history, arts, culture and communities of Sri Lanka as well as a selection of novels, magazines, newspapers, audio CDs and board games.

A desktop computer is available for Internet access.

Amangalla truly believes in pure satisfaction of rejuvenation. I picked a ‘Head & Shoulder’ massage from ‘The Baths’ menu that also featured Balinese, Thai, Ayurvedic and the signature Amangalla massage.

The five softly lit treatment chambers lead off a descending arched hallway. Gentlemen's and Ladies' dressing rooms lead to a hall containing a sauna, steam room and hydrotherapy pools whose specifically placed jet massage and stimulate the entire body. With candlelit recesses, tall ceilings and traditional archways, the hydrotherapy area is an experience in ancient indulgences.

You’re bound to get hints of nostalgia when you visit the Barber Shop and Salon providing gentlemen's shaving, and manicures and pedicures sedately done from original planter's chairs overlooking two hundred year old gardens.

These also become a source for quiet contemplation and peace for those who wish to experience yoga and meditation sessions in the Garden Pavilion.
 

Unwinding in the most picturesque location at Amangalla sipping on luscious cocktails, was an experience that could never be earned anywhere else.

The large serene swimming pool is set within the lush gardens and offers a stunning lounge area and sun decks. You could also indulge in lunch or a candlelit dinner in the pool courtyard.



 

Our Suggestions:

·    Pancakes with Maple Syrup and Blueberry Compote for Breakfast

·    Grilled Chicken with Mashed Potatoes for Dinner

·    A delectable Lamb dish for Dinner

·    Passion Fruit Mousse

Amangalla is in the heart of Galle and the heart of Galle is the Fort. A step out of the front door will take you into the living history that is the Fort. The most enjoyable way to experience the Fort is by walking.

Serenade in colonial charm. Be treated like royalty while experiencing Sri Lanka’s heritage when you stay at Amangalla.

Verdict:

Accommodation: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Food: 9/10
Ambience: 10/10
Facilities: 9/10

How to book:
T: +94 91 223 3388
E: [email protected]
W: http://www.amanresorts.com/amangalla/home.aspx